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COVID-19
Welcome to the Library!
All Scott County Libraries are open. Click on the tabs below to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about library services. We will update this page as new information is available. If you have questions, check the FAQs below, use our Ask a Librarian form, or contact staff at your branch.
While brighter days are ahead, our hearts are with everyone affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We're still taking precautions to ensure library services are safe, accessible, and welcoming for all. You can view our up-to-date safety guidelines on the "For Your Safety" tab below and on library signs.
If you aren't ready to visit your library, we can help. You may still take advantage of Curbside Pickup for a contactless experience. We encourage you to contact your library about Curbside services, technology assistance, or other accommodations to help you stay connected with us.
Last Updated: 8/12/2021
- For Your Safety
- Visiting the Library
- Library Services
- Meeting Rooms
- My Library Account
- Materials & Curbside Pickup
- Computers & Printing
- Programs
- Online Resources & eBooks
Which safety guidelines are Scott County Libraries following?
Following guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Scott County Public Health, we are observing these important safety precautions:
- Face Masks (updated 8/12/21): Staff are required to wear masks in County facilities, but customers are not. You are welcome to wear a mask inside the library if you prefer to. Masks are strongly encouraged for unvaccinated visitors in all Scott County buildings, including Libraries.
- Social Distancing: We encourage you to keep a distance of at least 3-6 feet between yourself, other customers, and library staff.
- Cleaning: We are cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly. As a courtesy, we will provide wipes to anyone who would prefer to sanitize a surface before use.
Are library buildings open for walk-ins?
- Yes, all libraries are open. Click here to see your library’s hours. Curbside Pickup appointments are only available during library open hours.
I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Do I still have to wear a mask in the library?
- No, you no longer are required to wear a mask. If you prefer to wear a mask during your visit, you are welcome to.
May I stay to use a reading area, play space, or study room?
- Yes, reading areas, play spaces, and study rooms are now available.
May I reserve a meeting room?
- Yes, visit our Meeting Rooms booking page, book in our mobile app, or call your library to make a reservation.
How long may I stay in the library?
- You are welcome to stay in the library as long as you like.
How can I get in touch with library staff?
- Contact us by email.
- Call any of our locations and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as we are able.
- Have a legal question or need a form? Contact our Law Librarian by email.
Can you proctor my test?
- Exam Administration services (formerly known as Proctoring) have resumed.
Can I volunteer at the library?
- The Library does not have any volunteer opportunities at this time. However, many organizations are in need of volunteers throughout Scott County. Visit the County's Volunteers page to learn more.
Are you taking book or DVD donations?
- Thank you for thinking of us. We cannot accept donations at this time.
May I reserve a meeting room or study room?
- All meeting rooms and study rooms are now open. Visit our Meeting Rooms page, call your library, or check our mobile app to reserve a room. Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What do I need to know about using a meeting room or study room?
- As before, meeting rooms must be reserved. Study rooms are available first-come, first served basis.
- You may only reserve a room up to 30 days in advance.
- You can read our full Meeting Room Policy (PDF) for more information.
How can I check my Account?
- You can check your account through our online catalog page or our mobile app (available on both iOS and Android).
Will I get a late fine on my account now that libraries are open?
- At this time, we continue to waive late fines to help customers return items, including interlibrary loans. However, we have resumed mailing bills for lost and damaged items. If you have questions about items, please call your library so we can help.
I lost an item. How can I pay for it?
- First, call or email your library so we can mark the item as "lost" in our system. You can then pay for the item by credit card through our online catalog page or our mobile app (available on both iOS and Android).
I returned an item but it’s still on showing on my account OR I received an overdue notice. Why is that? Will I be charged late fines?
- We are no longer quarantining materials, we are checking in items as we receive them. If you return an item on a weekend, you may need to wait until the next business day to see the item checked in and cleared from your account. You may also receive an overdue notice, depending on timing. You may disregard this notice if the item was returned. You will not be charged, we are waiving late fines due to COVID-19.
Are items still automatically renewing?
- Yes, our system continues to automatically renew Scott County Library items up to 5 times (if no one has a hold on the item). As before, interlibrary loans may only be borrowed for 3 weeks with no renewals. We continue to send email notices to inform you which items do or do not automatically renew. You can check how many times an item has been renewed on your library account.
How can I reset my library card’s PIN number?
- Click here to reset your PIN. You must have an email on file in your account to complete the process. If not, call your library and we can reset it for you.
Will my card expire?
- We extended all accounts so that no cards will expire during this time.
I am not ready to visit my library. Is Curbside Pickup still available?
- Yes! We will continue to offer curbside pickup appointments for the foreseeable future. Visit our Curbside Pickup page or download our mobile app to find your library’s next available appointment.
May I check out materials with staff inside the library?
- Yes. We also have self-checkout machines for a quick and convenient checkout. Don't forget your library card!
Tip: Try our mobile app available on iOS or Android! Use the "My Barcode" feature as a digital library card to never forget your library card again.
Can I return my materials?
- Yes, you may return all materials in outdoor and indoor book drop slots.
I lost an item. How can I pay for it?
- First, call your library so we can mark the item as "lost" in our system. You can then pay for the item by credit card through our catalog page or our mobile app (available on both iOS and Android).
I placed a hold a long time ago. What is the status of my hold?
- You can check the status of any hold by logging into our mobile app or My Account on our catalog page.
- All available holds are now held for 7 days.
- If you aren’t ready to place holds or pick them up, remember you can keep track of items you want to read later with the List feature in My Account.
I have an item from another library system (through interlibrary loan). Can I return it to my Scott County Library, or should I return it to its home library?
- Yes, you may return it to us. We’ll make sure all items are delivered to their home libraries. There may be a delivery delay.
Can I request items from other Minnesota libraries through MNLINK?
- Yes, inter-library loan services have resumed statewide. You may request 20 items at a time. Visit the MNLINK website for more information. If you have a question about an inter-library loan item, contact your library.
Are you taking book or DVD donations?
- Thank you for thinking of us. Some libraries are taking limited donations. Contact your library for more details.
Can I quickly drop in to print or scan something during walk-in hours?
- Yes. Customers may drop in to complete quick transactions such as printing, scanning, and checking email. Sessions are limited to 60 minutes with no extensions. Additional Express computers (15 minutes) are also available.
Can I drop in to use a copier?
- Yes, you may print up to 10 pages in free copies or prints during your visit.
Can you print something for me?
- Yes! Try our convenient Curbside Pickup printing service. Send us your print job through our online booking system, and we’ll print it for you to pick up. Visit our Curbside page to learn how.
Is the library doing a summer reading program this year?
- Yes, our Summer Spotlight team has planned a variety of creative, safe family programs this summer! Visit our Summer Spotlight page to learn more.
Is the library now offering in-person early literacy classes, storytimes, and other programs?
- Yes, we have resumed in-person programming. We are currently offering a variety of outdoor, small-group, socially-distanced programs during Summer Spotlight.
Is the library still offering digital or at-home programs?
- Yes! We are still actively working on digital programs for you and your family to stay engaged at home. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and the Scott County Nextdoor feed for virtual storytimes, staff recommendations, and more. You can also subscribe to our newsletters to receive information straight to your inbox when they are ready.
How can I borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines?
- Visit our eBooks and eAudiobooks pages to learn how to use Libby.
What kind of distance learning support does the Library offer?
- The library’s collection of digital resources gives you online access to fantastic learning tools, homework help, and more. Click the links to check them out!
What kind of job and career support does the Library offer?
- Build skills or look for a job with online resources.
- Use your library card to access LinkedIn Learning for Library (formerly Lynda.com) for free.
- Looking for a more tailored recommendation? Ask Us for help via email.
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